Billy Vunipola looks set to leave Montpellier at the end of the season after the Top 14 outfit grew unhappy at his dawdling putting pen to paper on a new contract.
Montpellier, who are 11th in the Top 14 table with three wins and a draw from their opening eight games, offered the former England No.8, who is out of contract next summer, a new deal earlier in the season.
But it is understood that it was used to drum up interest in Vunipola, 32, because his representatives weren’t happy with the terms on offer, and Montpellier grew impatient, wanting an answer so they could look for a replacement.
Newcastle Red Bulls could offer the former Wasps and Saracens star, who won 74 England caps, a way back to the Premiership as they prepare a massive spending spree after being taken over by the Austrian energy drink giants.
Vunipola has rolled back the years and been in outstanding form for Montpellier since joining them at the start of last season, after making nearly 200 appearances for former European and Premiership champions Saracens.
He has scored two tries in 33 appearances since moving to France, and the Red Bulls only signed veteran Japan international Amanaki Mafi on a one-year contract from the Canon Eagles in August.
Vunipola, who was born in Sydney and educated at Harrow School, along with his brother Mako, has been linked with switching his international allegiances to Tonga in time for the 2027 World Cup in Australia.
RugbyPass reported last week that Mako had a coaching role lined up and that Billy was wanted for a playing role to follow in the footsteps of their father, Fe’ao, who won 33 caps between 1988 and 2001.
He has also been linked with a move to Tokyo Sungoliath in Japan Rugby League One, which could provide a more lucrative alternative option to a spell in the North East.